Hey guys,

I have come across a rare find....itleast as far as I'm concerned. I was down the road a ways (live in the country) helping a neighbor move an old wood stove from out in the bard. He had an old 1952 Ford pickup under a tarp. It has an old Flathead in it, but what really caught my eye was the front hoghead poking out. He said his granddaddy bought it new like that. Did the 4x4 conversions go back to 1952? The problem is at some point his transmission went out so he put in a 2wd transmission and ran a long driveshaft all the way to the rear hoghead. My question is would a transmission and transfer case from a 1964 4x4 work in this truck or would the bolt pattern be different? Please respond asap! Thanks

 

I'm assuming the bolt pattern would be different, as '64 was Ford produced. truckdog will know, I bet. Also, you should step away from that truck, give me directions, and I'll help with removal....I may need to borrow a trailer, too.

 

Marmon-Herrington did conversion from at least the late '30s, I think. Like Havi said, Stu will be around soon. He's the go-to guy when it comes to M-H and stock wheels. You better be careful though, I see you're from KY, if the truck is anywhere near South Central IL Stu going to sniff it out and grab!

 

Thanks Bob and Havi. I am very fascinatied by the 48-52 model trucks. I have had a lot of old Fords, but I have never had an older truck than 1961. 1962 was my oldest factory 4x4, but I sold it before I really got to enjoy it completely. I have wanted another ever since. What are some of the unique characteristics about these particular trucks while we are waiting for Stu to appear?

 

They are pricey to work on, number one. Mainly the drive live, they have their own axles and transfer cases. They also have M-H specific wheels, you can find them on other trucks of the era but they are hard to find. Stu has a few M-Hs, he will fill you in on all of the quirks about them.

 

If they have their own transfer cases and parts then how are you supposed to get parts for them? I just assumed they used Dana 24s like in the 60's and Dana 44 front axles.

 

Wow, where to start? I guess it's first important to ask what model the truck is. Half tons are completely different than 3/4 tons, which are themselves different than the big models. The real expert is Chuck Mantiglia of Chuck's Trucks. He and our Mark Mossell (goes by "the chassisman") will know tons more about half tons than I do. But I'm trying to learn about them too. Knowing Mark, you may have already gotten a private message from him about your truck. You're safe with me, I won't fight Havi for it. Got my hands full.

As for your questions: the half ton wheels are the same as other Ford trucks. The 3/4 tons use 17s that have the same 5 lug x 8" circle bolt pattern as the big trucks but are 5" wide as opposed to other, more common, 17s that are 6" wide. I've been looking for extras for years. The big models used the same wheels as any other big models. The transmissions are no different than other Fords of the same model. The transfer cases though are special, and the front axles are special. They have Ford or Timken diffs but Marmon Herrington's own steering bits and internal drive components. The half ton has it's own transfer case and, I think I'm right in '52, the 3/4 tons and big truck's share transfer cases. What am I leaving out?

As for adapting the '64 pieces to the truck, please don't. These trucks are special and should be kept as original as possible. If you need pieces Chuck can help. Mark or I can help maybe too. Please post pictures. Also, I keep a log of all 3/4 tons I come across and would like to know VIN and axle numbers if you would share. Also, Mark is trying to put together a Marmon Herrington Registry. So that's another reason you'll probably hear from him. Please stay in touch. Stu

 

can't wait to see pics!!! don't cob it up, too few out there.

 

Here's some pics of one from the F100 WesternNationals this last June:
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...estnats017.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...estnats018.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...estnats019.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...estnats020.jpg

 

Nice pics of that '52 F-1. Much appreciated.

Shaun and I didn't get a lot of sleep last night swapping PMs. Hopefully he can complete the quest and bring one more of these old soldiers back into the sunshine. Can't wait to see pics of it. Stu

 

Marmon-Herrington began in 1931.

Both cars & trucks were converted to 4WD.

Marmon also made cars: The Marmon Motor Car Company: 1902/1933

 

Bill, I won't ask what yer doing up at 3:30 (CST) in the morning, lol. Not to get too off topic, but has anyone seen a car with the M-H conversion?

 

Well heck, Scott, how many do you want to see? I'll do the ones that are more interesting to me, how's that. First is Don Chew's '42 Sedan Delivery that is the prototype Ranger; next is a Merc that was on ebay a while back that Chuck and I debated which of us should buy it only to have it sold out from under both of us; third is a sedan that was sacrificed to provide its drive train for a woodie that's still under restoration last I saw it; and last is a factory flier. I've got tons of woodie pics if you want to see them. Stu

 

I'm usually on from around 11PM to 8AM PST.

I'm retired, so don't have to get up and go to work like most of y'all do.

M-H converted 1934 Ford passengers cars and trucks for ARAMCO. These also came with the Goodyear Jumbo Wheels and Tires.

Engineers used these vehicles in the middle-east deserts inre to oil exploration.

ARAMCO = Arab American Oil Company.

On page 86 in the Standard Catalog of Light Duty Ford Trucks (ISBN: 0-87349-411-3) is a pic of a 1950 F1 Ranger M-H conversion (from a panel).

 

Bill - That truck is still around. Stu